Delay in Delivery of MRAP Vehicles from Germany to Ukraine

Germany's plan to deliver 400 MRAP (Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected) vehicles to Ukraine has faced a substantial delay, according to the German newspaper Bild on April 22, 2024. The German Defense Minister, Boris Pistorius, announced on March 19 that Germany would provide Ukraine with 100 "protected infantry vehicles," later specifying that these were indeed MRAPs, with delivery expected by 2024.

A contract worth 315 million euros (about 336 million dollars) was signed between Ukraine and the German company Flensburger Fahrzeugbau GmbH, with funding from Berlin, for the supply of the 400 vehicles. Originally, the company was supposed to deliver 20 MRAPs per month from January to October 2024, for a total of 200 vehicles in ten months. However, none of these deliveries have been made so far.

A ministry representative confirmed to Bild that no MRAPs have been delivered yet, and that deliveries are now scheduled in different phases throughout 2024. Additionally, the delivery plan has been modified and currently foresees the delivery of only 100 MRAPs over the year, with the start date moved from January to May. A classified document cited by the newspaper specifies that the 100 vehicles promised by Pistorius in March should begin to be transferred starting in June.

The delays are presumably related to the production of the MRAPs. Flensburger Fahrzeugbau does not produce the main components but imports them from the United States. The 400 vehicles are modified versions of the BATT UMG armored vehicles produced by The Armored Group, a US company.

The ministry stated that the delivery delays are due to "restrictive US export permits to Germany." Unofficially, it has been said that the mine protection level of the vehicles has yet to be certified. Meanwhile, the company informed Bild that the protection level of the MRAPs had already been certified, but is now "under review."